Potential disaster relief funding for Black Belt included in bill that avoided government shutdown

A provision in a bill that was passed to avoid a government shutdown authorizes $10 million to Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to distribute disaster relief in several counties of the Black Belt. 

The bill was passed after a 366-64 vote, with Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) being among those in favor. 

The $10 million for DRA is part of a larger amount intended for Alabama. An announcement from Sewell said that Greene, Sumter, Hale, and Dallas Counties could be eligible because of the 2023 tornado's impact. 

“I am thrilled that this agreement includes $284 million in urgently needed disaster assistance for Alabama, as well as $10 million in new funding that we secured for the Delta Regional Authority to help rebuild disaster-stricken communities,” she said. “I am especially glad that Alabama’s federal workers and military families won't have to worry about missing a paycheck this holiday season.”

In the announcement Sewell criticized President-Elect Donald Trump and business mogul Elon Musk for what she said was an attempt to raise the debt ceiling and "and pave the way for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy."

Additionally, the provision includes a one-year extension of the farm bill and critical assistance for farmers in Alabama.